In the meanwhile, in the ballroom, the music had stopped. It was time for the dinner. Jupiter, Venus, Mars and the rest of the princesses were seating in the left side of the long table, facing the Earth court. Of course, Princess Serenity and her mother were hosting the eating, seating in the front part. On the princess' side, was Venus, followed by Jupiter, then an empty seat, with a written plaque in the back that said "Mercury," then Mars, next to the Outer Princesses. As their leader, Uranus was first, then Neptune, in the middle was Saturn, and closing that side of the table was the Guardian of time, Pluto.

On the Queen's side, was Prince Endymion, who was sitting next to Kunzite and followed by Neflyte. Next to him, was an empty chair, and then Jadeite. The rest of the guests were in order of royalty. Dukes and duchesses, counts and countesses, etc, etc.

When they finished sitting, the empty chairs were obvious. A low sound spread through the room; it was the gossiping. Venus looked worried, and so did Kunzite. The Queen and Princess of the Moon were looking at each other, and talking quietly. Queen Serenity stopped, and gazed at Pluto. She was in the dark, sitting silently. However, the frown in her eyebrows was visible, and the governor of the Moon knew that when Princess Pluto was worried, it was a matter of time continuance.

Knowing that if she didn't do something soon, the party would be a mess, she addressed Venus: "Lady Venus, where is Lady Mercury?" The blonde and leader of the Senshi looked down, and answered: "I don't know, your Majesty. About an hour ago she was with me and Lady Jupiter, but when... ., Oh my God, Queen Serenity, I think I know what happened last night at Mercury's chambers." Hearing this, the Queen stopped the Venus avatar, and making a gesture towards the Sailor Senshi, walked out of the room. The seven girls followed her, Princess Serenity stayed to calm down the guests.

When they where in a private room, Queen Serenity told Venus to continue. "Well, My Queen. Before the party was over, Lady Mercury was with us, until that Prince of Mars, no, Saturn approached us. He asked for her, but when we turned around she had left. I remember seeing him getting angry, as if she had escaped. I think he entered Lady Mercury's room yesterday night, and tried to take advantage of her. Jupiter and I may have interrupted him, when we knocked the door."

Everyone, except Pluto who already knew it, gasped in shock. "You mean,... that? But why didn't she tell us?" whispered Jupiter.

Uranus interrupted Venus, and said: "It's very probable that Ren had threatened her to kill her and everyone else if she said anything."

Mars stayed thoughtful, and said: "So that's why she lied to us. I can't believe it, our sweet Mercury, attacked by a mad psycho?"

Neptune just nodded, while Saturn put one hand on her waist, and tapping one of her little feet in the floor, said: "So, what are we doing here? Who knows what that guy will do if we don't stop him? He may have captured her already. Come on, me must move." (I know this isn't appropriate to say for a thirteen-year-old kid, but you know, with their powers and all that, everyone has a maturer mind than they should).

The Queen nodded, and ordered: "Ok. Now, you are princesses no more. The Sailor Senshi have been requested. Transform and go and search for Lady Mercury. Remember, Ren is a powerful man, and I'm sure he will not give up easily. Good luck, my Senshi."

Everyone transformed, leaving behind the Planet Princesses, and appearing as the Pretty Soldier Sailor Suited Heroines. When they finished, Uranus smashed her right fist in her left hand, and said: "At last, some action to do."

She was followed by Jupiter, who also said: "Yeah, let's go and kick Ren's butt." The rest of the Senshi looked at her in amazement, but Jupiter just shrugged, and said: "I'm no longer a princess, remember? I can say what I want. Now, let's go." They all ran into the palace, dividing in groups of three, and searching everywhere they thought Lady Mercury would be in...

Back at the dinner, the Princess had successfully calmed the people down, except for a group of friends. Endymion turned to Kunzite, and asked: "Kun, where do you think Zoi is?"

The white haired general nodded and answered: "I don't know. Knowing how he is, he can be at the Royal Library, or at the Royal Museum, or the Royal History Room, or the Royal...."

"Ok, Ok," interrupted Jadeite. "We got your point."

Neflyte was thoughtful, and noticing this, Endymion asked him: "Nef, what's wrong?"

"Well," was the answer he received. "I don't pretend to be a gossip spreader or anything, but did you notice that there was also an empty chair in the Princesses' side? 'Mercury', I think it said."

Kunzite, Jadeite, and Endymion looked at each other, and Kunzite asked: "Do you think they are together?" His voice, and three others said in unison: "Nahhh." They stayed quiet for five seconds, until Endymion said: "On the other hand...." Together again, they chorused: "Let's go and find him." They stood up, and rushed out of the room. Princess Serenity thought for a moment, until she also left, telling the guests that there was an emergency. However, the party continued, and nobody missed the princesses or their counterpart Earthlings...